HOMAGE TO MARY IMMACULATE: "MARY, GRANT US PEACEFUL DAYS"

VATICAN CITY, DEC 8, 2002 (VIS) - At 4 p.m. the Holy Father went in the popemobile to the Spanish Steps to pay homage to Mary Immaculate as is his custom on this feast day. Upon arriving, he blessed a basket of roses which was placed at the base of the column bearing the statue of Mary.

Addressing the Virgin, the Pope said; "Virgin Mother, 'Salus Populi Romani'! Watch over the beloved diocese of Rome. ... Especially watch over families: may love always reign among husbands and wives, sealed by the Sacrament, may children walk on the path of good and authentic freedom, may the elderly feel enveloped in attention and affection. Stir up in the hearts of so many young people, Mary, 'the call to mission', which is the theme the diocese is reflecting on during these years. Thanks to intense vocational pastoral care, may Rome be rich with new and vigorous young people who dedicate themselves with enthusiasm to proclaiming the Gospel in the city and the world!"

"'Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis'!" exclaimed John Paul II. "Pray for all of us, Mother. Pray for humanity that suffers misery and injustice, violence and hatred, terror and war. Help us to contemplate with the Holy Rosary the mysteries of the One Who 'is our peace', so that we all feel involved in a specific commitment to the service of peace. Watch over with special attention the land in which you gave birth to Jesus, a land which you loved together and that today continues to be afflicted. Pray for us, Mother of Hope! 'Grant us peaceful days, watch over our way. Make us see your Son, full of joy in heaven.' Amen."

After paying tribute to the Virgin, the Pope went to St. Mary Major Basilica to pray before the icon of the Mother of God "Salus Populi Romani," and then returned to the Vatican.

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